New Study: Cannabis May Protect the Brain Against Stress and Stress-Related Disorders

A new study published in this month’s issue of the journal Neuropsychopharmacology has found that compounds in cannabis may offer protection against chronic stress, including the memory and learning impairment that can come as a result.

“Our findings suggest that cannabinoid receptor activation could represent a novel approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits that accompany a variety of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders”, concludes the study.

This is particularly important according to researchers, considering that repeated stress “is one of the environmental factors that precipitates and exacerbates mental illnesses like depression and anxiety as well as cognitive impairments”.

During the study, researchers found that daily doses of a chemical meant to mimic THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – one of the primary compounds found in cannabis – appeared to improve short-term memory in rats (which had been put through tests meant to induce stress) compared to the control group which didn’t receive any treatment. In addition, the rats which received the regular doses of THC displayed greater learning abilities, and less anxiety.

Although more research is needed to confirm these findings, the results are promising. The study can be found by clicking here.